A device for recording positions of a beam of an extralight torsion balance

Abstract

A device for recording positions of a beam of an extralight torsion balance is developed, mounted, and tested by the practice of astronomical observations. The device makes it possible to completely automate the process of observations under constant monitoring of the measurement results in real time. The principle of color division of stationary marks which specify the meridian direction from a mobile marker is implemented owing to application of different luminescent paints and a source of UV radiation. In contrast to other recording systems of such type, the device described makes it possible to minimize convective air flows inside the chamber of a torsion balance and to drastically improve the accuracy of determining the beam direction at which the error of individual determination is ±0.172°. Long-term observations performed with the given device made it possible to reveal a distinct daily cycle in the behavior of a torsion balance, the nature of this cycle still being unclear.